Common questions

The Israel-Europe R&D Directorate (ISERD) is an inter-ministerial directorate led by the Council for Higher Education, the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. ISERD is responsible for promoting the participation of Israeli entities in the European Framework Programmes. ISERD is a part of the Israel Innovation Authority and is Israel's official Contact Point  (NCP) with the EU for all the activities of the Framework Programme.
ISERD operates as part of the International Division of the Israel Innovation Authority (IIA) and is structured into three main departments:
  1. Digital, Industry, Space, Civil Security for Society and EIC
  2. Health, Food, Agriculture, Energy, Environment, Climate and Mobility
  3. European Research Council (ERC), Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA), Culture, Creative and Inclusive Society, Widening Participation, Strengthening the European Research Area and Research Infrastructure.
Each department has dedicated National Contact Point s (NCPs) who specialize in Horizon Europe’s three pillars, covering a wide range of thematic areas, programs, missions and partnerships. This structure ensures that each aspect of Horizon Europe is well-supported and that Israeli participants have access to expert guidance and resources.
Horizon Europe is the European Union's main public funding instrument for research and innovation, and one of the biggest of its kind worldwide. It supports scientific and innovative projects that address global challenges, boosts Europe's economic competitiveness and facilitates interdisciplinary and international collaborations. It is the 9th European Union's flagship research and innovation programme, running from 2021-2027, with a budget of more than €95 billion. For more information visit the page: About Horizon Europe.
Yes, Israel is a Horizon Europe associated country. This status allows Israeli companies, researchers and other organizations (any legal entity) to compete for funding.
Since Israel joined the EU programmes in 1996, thousands of companies, researchers, government entities and NGOs have participated in thousands of R&I projects and received funding of billions of euros.
TRL stands for Technology Readiness Level. It is a method used to assess the maturity of a particular technology. TRL ranges from 1 to 9, with each level indicating a stage of development:
  • TRL 1: Basic principles observed
  • TRL 2: Technology concept formulated
  • TRL 3: Experimental proof of concept
  • TRL 4: Technology validated in lab
  • TRL 5: Technology validated in relevant environment
  • TRL 6: Technology demonstrated in relevant environment
  • TRL 7: System prototype demonstration in operational environment
  • TRL 8: System complete and qualified
  • TRL 9: Actual system proven in operational environment
Most Horizon Europe calls for proposals require a certain TRL for the beginning of the project and its end. This scale helps organizations better understand whether they fit with the programme and call eligibility criteria. For more information: TRL
Horizon Europe is a highly competitive programme, and success rates differ widely. In the main part of the programme, open for submission in groups (consortia), the success rate usually ranges between 10%-25%, while in other programmes, open for submission to a single entity, competition is fierce, and the success rate might drop to 4% or even lower.
Yes, you can submit proposals to both the Innovation Authority and Horizon Europe simultaneously. However, you cannot receive more than 100% funding for the same project; that is the only restriction on the EU side. You should always check the specific conditions with your project's Israeli Innovation Authority Contact Point.
The funding amount varies depending on the call for proposals and the role of the organization in the project. On average, it ranges from hundreds of thousands to several million euros per proposal.
Horizon Europe grants are royaltyfree.
ISERD offers several support options throughout the application lifecycle, including financial reimbursement, feedback on your proposal, personal guidance and coaching from an expert, preparation for interviews (when relevant), workshops, partner search events and more. For additional information, see ISERD's support.  
Yes, we can provide free of charge feedback on draft proposals received at least 30 days before the deadline, depending on the availability of our experts. For additional information, see the RED TEAM service.
Unfortunately, no. Writing the proposal is completely up to you (and your partners). However, we can assist you in many other ways, including providing expert feedback on you draft proposal. For additional information, see ISERD's support.
We invite you to register for our newsletter (link) and follow us on LinkedIn (link).
The programme is one of the pillars of Horizon Europe. The objective is to support research and innovation projects according to thematic areas (defined as clusters) that include health; culture, creativity and inclusive society; civil security for society; digital, industry, and space; food, climate, energy and mobility; and food, bioeconomy natural resources, agriculture and environment.
Any legal entity from EU member states or associated countries, including Israel, such as startups, large companies, universities, research institutes, hospitals, government offices, authorities, municipalities, non-profits and other entities.
The application is based on open calls for proposals; applications must be submitted as part of a consortium.
All the open calls are published on the Funding & Tenders platform (the European Commission website). Submission deadlines vary depending on the specific programme and call for proposals. For more details you are invited to contact the relevant NCP.
A group of independent entities that join together to apply under a call for proposals.  A consortium must include at least 3 partners from 3 different countries, at least one of which is an entity from an EU member state. For example, a consortium might include a German university, an Israeli startup, a Greek research institute, a French hospital and a Canadian manufacturing plant. The consortium is led by a coordinator, who manages the proposal and project.
The consortium is composed of various partners, one of whom is the coordinator. The coordinator's role includes:
  • Managing the project: Overseeing the day-to-day operations and ensuring that the project progresses as planned.
  • Communication: Acting as the main point of contact between the consortium members and the European Commission.
  • Reporting: Handling the administrative and financial reporting requirements.
No, the consortium submits one proposal through the coordinator.
Yes. The consortium must include at least three entities from different participating countries, but having additional a reasonable number of partners from the same country, up to a reasonable, is allowed.
The consortium must include at least three entities from Horizon Europe participating countries. Additional partners from other countries can be included, but they must justify their involvement and may need to provide their own funding. Some calls for proposals require partners from specific countries (for example China or African countries).
Not exactly. Most of the consortia are formed spontaneously, based on personal connections among people from different organizations. We can assist you in searching for partners to build a consortium by taking part in one our (or the EU’s) partner search events. Building a consortium takes time, effort and a pinch of luck.
There are a few ways that we recommend finding partners:
  1. First, we suggest looking at your close circle, your personal network of colleagues.
  2. In the Funding & Tenders EU portal, each call for proposals has a partner search section that you can use to post your request or reach out to those that posted.
  3. You can check the EU CORDIS website and see similar projects that have already ended or are still running. Usually, those consortia apply again for the same kind of project; you can find the relevant project by using key words / filters.
  4. Use online matchmaking platforms such as the free b2Match platform and other brokerage events promoted by ISERD or the EU Commission. For more information: (link)
  5. If you are interested in partnerships, look for the associations involved.
You’re not alone in your concerns. Most companies and research organizations want to protect their IP. A consortium must sign a partnership agreement defining IP rights. This agreement is negotiable among partners and can be reviewed in a standard template. If your proposal is funded, it is advisable to consult a lawyer to ensure IP protection within the consortium agreement. Your IP will be protected by your consortium agreement, a legal document signed by all consortium members that outlines the responsibilities and privileges of each member, including IP management. The grant agreement with the EU, signed by the consortium coordinator, is separate from the consortium agreement. The EU does not claim ownership of the IP; it remains with the project members.
  1. Register: You need to register on the European Commission’s portal and obtain a Participant Identification Code (PIC), which is a unique identifier for your organization.
  2. Prepare the proposal: Follow the specific guidelines and requirements for the call you are applying to, which can be found on the programme’s page.
  3. Submit the proposal: Use the portal to submit your proposal according to the instructions provided.
There are three main types of projects under Horizon Europe:
  • RIA (Research and Innovation Actions): Projects focused on advancing knowledge and developing new technologies.
  • IA (Innovation Actions): Projects aimed at developing and demonstrating new solutions and technologies in real-world settings.
  • CSA (Coordination and Support Actions): Projects that support coordination, networking and dissemination activities.
For more details, see Towards submission.
The length of the application varies depending on the type of call.  Generally, standard proposals for consortia are around 45-50 pages. However, a proposal may range from as few as 10 pages to as many as 50 pages. It is essential to read the specific guidelines provided by the European Commission for the type of call you are applying to, such as RIA (Research and Innovation Actions), IA (Innovation Actions) or CSA (Coordination and Support Actions).
The purpose of a single-stage call is primarily to manage demand and spare applicants the effort in of developing a full proposal if their idea does not fit into the call topic. Some topics, mainly Innovation Actions, require a quicker call timeline; these are usually one-stage. There is always a mix of calls in the Work Programme.
Funding typically covers between 70-100% of project costs+ 25% overhead (flat rate for indirect costs), depending on the type of project; nonprofit entities will always get 100% funding.
No, extensions are not possible. The deadline is set by the European Commission and is strictly enforced: 17:00 Brussels time.
Register on the European Commission’s portal (instructions are available in the attached presentation) and obtain a user ID and password. If you are a small company (fewer than 250 employees and less than 50 million euros in annual turnover), registering as such may provide advantages. Access the call for proposals on the portal, click on the submission button and download the template. Researchers at large institutions like universities or hospitals should consult their European funding departments for assistance.
The European Commission appoints independent, impartial experts to evaluate proposals and monitor projects supported by EU funding. The experts come from different backgrounds including industry, academy and research organizations and must declare that they have no conflict of interest.  
Yes, at the end of the evaluation process, the committee will send an Evaluation Summary Report (ESR) to the applicants, containing the evaluators' scores and comments on the proposal (strengths and weaknesses).
You can only appeal based on factual errors, for example, “There is no business plan”.  You can appeal: "See business plan on page X in the proposal”), but you can’t appeal the comments of the evaluators or their expertise, for example: “The suggested project is not beyond the state-of-the-art” or “the project is innovative”. Consider that the appeal process could be long, and the appeal success rates are low.
Yes, you can apply for and succeed in obtaining funding for more than one project at the same time. You can’t get double funding for the same activity, but you can get funds for different projects dealing with different R&I activities performed by different team members.
Personnel costs, subcontracting costs, travel and subsistence, equipment, other goods, works and services+25% Indirect costs.
Before the deadline you may edit, resubmit or withdraw a proposal. Once the application is submitted, no changes can be done.
It typically takes 8 months from the call deadline to receive the funding. The process includes:
  • 5 months for the proposal evaluation and announcement of winners;
  • 3 months for signing the Consortium Agreement and the Grant Agreementand implementing the award.
This timeline assumes everything proceeds smoothly and the project begins as planned.
The proposal is judged on the basis of the following criteria:
  • Excellence: The quality and innovativeness of the proposed research or innovation.
  • Impact: The potential impact of the project on society, the economy and the scientific community.
  • Implementation: The feasibility and efficiency of the project plan and management.
The evaluators are experts from around the world, primarily from member states, associated countries and third countries. They come from a variety of fields and are selected to ensure a gender and geographical representation balance. ISERD recommends considering a role as an expert. For more information
The EIC (European Innovation Council), is a part of the Horizon Europe programme that supports the development and scale-up of market-creating and disruptive high-risk deep technologies, on any theme and in any field. The programme is divided into three sub-programmes, according to technology maturity and readiness level:
  1. EIC Pathfinder: Supports early-stage research and innovation to achieve proof of concept (POC). Open for submission by both academia and industry.
  2. EIC Transition: Supports projects that have already reached POC and now wish to further develop the technology and demonstrate it in a relevant environment towards commercialization. Open for submission by both academia and industry only for proposals built on results already achieved in a funded EU project.
  3. EIC Accelerator: Supports start-ups and SMEs that have already validated their technology in the lab and are now ready to demonstrate it in a real environment (TRL5-6). It provides substantial funding, including grant and equity investment, to bring the technology to market deployment and scale-up.
It depends. Under the open call, you must submit the proposal as a part of a consortium (at least three independent entities from three Horizon Europe established in different EU member states or Horizon Europe associated countries). Under the Challenge call, you may submit either as a single entity, with one partner from another Horizon Europe country, or in a consortium (as above).
Any legal entity.
Up to 3 million EUR for Pathfinder Open and up to 4 million EUR for Pathfinder Challenges.  The grant covers 100% of the expenses + 25% of overhead.
Flexible, usually between 2-3 years.
EIC Pathfinder aims for low TRLs. The project will start at TRL 1-2 (innovative idea) and will conclude at TRL 3-4 (POC or testing in a controlled environment).
For every call, a portfolio of a variety of projects will be selected. Projects are different and suggest different solutions to the same challenge. The EIC requires collaboration among the projects that includes joint work, meetings, events and more.  
A proposal is judged on the basis of the following criteria:
  • Excellence: The quality and innovativeness of the proposed research or innovation - 60%
  • Impact: The potential impact of the project on society, the economy and the scientific community - 20%
  • Implementation: The feasibility and efficiency of the project plan and management - 20% .
EIC Pathfinder Open – 20-page proposal (one deadline per year). EIC Pathfinder Challenge – 30-page proposal (one deadline per year). Submit your proposals on the EU portal and get the results within 5 months.
No. Under the transition calls you may submit either as a single entity, with one partner from another Horizon Europe country or in a consortium (between three to five independent organizations from at least three Horizon Europe different countries).  
EIC Transition is open for submission by any legal entity only for proposals built on results already achieved in a funded EU project. For the full eligibility criteria, see EIC Transition page.
Up to EUR 2.5 million, covering 100% of the expenses + 25% of overhead.
Flexible, usually between 1-3 years.
EIC Transition aims for a range of 3-6 . The project will start at TRL 3-4 (POC or testing in a controlled environment) and will conclude at TRL 5-6 (testing in real environment).
  1. First stage - 22-page proposal (one deadline per year). Submit your proposal on the EU portal and get the results within 3 months.
  1. Second stage – If you passed the first stage with success, you will be invited to an interview phase where the deliverables will be the proposal and a pitch-deck presentation.
No. You need to apply as a single entity.  
The EIC Accelerator is open for submission by SMEs, mid-caps, entrepreneurs and investors that comply with the eligibility rules. For more information, see the EIC Accelerator page.  
Up to EUR 2.5 million for the grant component, covering 70% of the expenses, and up to EUR 10 million for the equity investment component.
EIC Accelerator aims for a range of 5-9. The part of the project covered by the grant will start at TRL 5-6 (testing in real or relevant environment) and will conclude at TRL 8-9 (pre-serial manufacturing or product on market). In most cases the equity component will be used for deployment and scale-up.
Flexible, but usually 24 months for the grant component covering TRL 5-8 (can be longer if justified). The equity component, covering TRL 9 onwards activities, is not time limited, and usually runes between 2-5 additional years.
The application process includes 3 steps:
  1. Step 1: Short proposal - 12-page proposal in a structured template, 10-slide pitch-deck and up to 3-minute-long video pitch. Open for submission all year.
  2. Step 2: Full proposal - 50-page proposal, 10-minute-long pitch-deck and up to 3-minute-long video pitch. Open for submission by 2 predefined deadlines per year.
  3. Step 3: Pitch and interview - 10-minute pitch deck and 35-minute Q&A.
Short proposal: GO/NO GO feedback will be provided within 6 weeks by 4 independent evaluators. If you received at least 3 GOs out of 4, you will be invited to submit a full proposal (by the end of the next calendar year). Full proposal: GO/NO GO feedback will be provided within 9 weeks by 3 evaluators. The decision needs to be unanimous. Interview: GO/NO GO feedback will be provided within 6-9 weeks based on a unanimous (4-6 member) jury decision.  
    1. Grant only: For companies aiming to reach the TRL 8 at the end of the project and continue further development without the EIC support.
    2. Blended finance: A mix of non-dilutive grant for innovation activities (TRL 5-8) and dilutive equity for market deployment (TRL 9).
    3. Investment only: For mid-caps companies and companies that have received a «grant only».
European Partnerships are collaborative initiatives involving the European Commission and private and/or public partners, designed to tackle some of Europe’s most pressing challenges through coordinated research and innovation. They serve as a key tool under Horizon Europe, aiming to address research fragmentation by aligning efforts, creating substantial funding pools and strengthening the European Research Area. By uniting various stakeholders, these partnerships help avoid duplicated investments and reduce fragmentation in the EU’s research landscape. These partnerships offer various proposal calls, some requiring submission to the Israel Innovation Authority, others via the partnerships’ website or the Funding and Tenders Portal. For more information check out the Partnership page.

What is ISERD?

The Israel-Europe R&D Directorate (ISERD) is an inter-ministerial directorate led by the Council for Higher Education, the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. ISERD is responsible for promoting the participation of Israeli entities in the European Framework Programmes. ISERD is a part of the Israel Innovation Authority and is Israel's official Contact Point  (NCP) with the EU for all the activities of the Framework Programme.